Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero is convinced that Terence Crawford will start strong by outboxing Canelo Alvarez, much like Amir Khan did in the past. However, he believes that this strategic prowess won’t save Crawford from a knockout blow that will catch him off guard during their September 13th showdown.
Crawford, who boasts an undefeated record of 41 wins with 31 knockouts, seems at a disadvantage due to the significant size difference. He’s stepping up to the 168-pound division to take on Canelo, who holds a record of 62 victories, 39 of which are by knockout. In Rolly’s eyes, this fight echoes Canelo’s own move up to 175 pounds when he faced Dimitry Bivol in 2022—a bout where size mattered. It’s an even tougher climb for Crawford, jumping up 14 pounds from 154 to 168.
His recent debut at 154 didn’t go as smoothly as he’d hoped, struggling against Israil Madrimov last August. That match suggested Crawford might face repeated setbacks if he aims to conquer all the belts. Size and age seem not on his side, especially with contenders like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Bakhram Murtazaliev in the mix.
A more strategic move for Crawford would be to get some experience at 168 against fighters like Osleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco, Christian Mbilli, Caleb Plant, or David Morrell. These guys are tough, and a few bouts with them could help him adjust before stepping into the ring with Canelo. Crawford’s camp, led by Turki Alalshikh, might hesitate due to the risk of losses, but gaining experience could provide a slight edge over Alvarez.
In a revealing interview with Fighthype, Rolly, known for his candidness, doesn’t mince words about Crawford’s age affecting his performance. “He’s 38, he sees something in Canelo, but what he’s really going to see is the canvas,” he quipped. Canelo, according to Rolly, has simplified his strategy, relying heavily on his notorious left hooks over jabs.
Crawford’s recent encounter with Madrimov served as a reminder of the inevitabilities of time. He’s no longer the spritely fighter he was back at 147 in 2018. His hair tells the tale of years, no longer hiding the silver, and he took more punches from Madrimov than he’s perhaps ever allowed before.
“He’s not much of a mover anymore,” Rolly continued, noting that while Crawford still uses his reach effectively, his movements are calculated rather than swift. His age shows most in prolonged exchanges; a prolonged dance around Canelo like Mayweather executed years ago would leave him winded and vulnerable.
As for the outcome? Rolly doesn’t shy away from predicting a dramatic end. He sees parallels between Canelo’s battle with Bivol and Crawford’s tall task ahead. “Crawford is going to get in there and box, just like Amir Khan did. Out of nowhere, boom—a knockout. It’ll be like seeing a roach flipped over on its back,” Rolly concluded with his usual colorful flair.
This bold prediction sets the stage for a thrilling clash come September 13th. Fans and pundits alike will eagerly tune in to see if Rolly’s ominous forecast will hold true.
